MERCEDES G-CLASS (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 807 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,695
£141/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 30-42
2987cc Diesel
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1695/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~40 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MERCEDES brand average of 87%.
At 8 years old, 94% of MERCEDES G-CLASSs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 807 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 39,199 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
39,199
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS has 39,199 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 98% MOT pass rate, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 78%. The 2018 sits between the two at 94%.
MERCEDES G-CLASS by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78% | 65 | 30,190 mi | |
| 2020 | 98% | 66 | 32,570 mi | |
| 2019 | 96% | 319 | 41,698 mi | |
| 2018 | 94% | 807 | 39,199 mi | |
| 2017 | 86% | 691 | 43,730 mi | |
| 2016 | 94% | 604 | 58,012 mi | |
| 2015 | 88% | 591 | 48,991 mi | |
| 2014 | 92% | 362 | 54,969 mi | |
| 2013 | 94% | 449 | 69,675 mi | |
| 2012 | 90% | 221 | 76,209 mi | |
| 2011 | 96% | 92 | 70,666 mi | |
| 2010 | 73% | 33 | 78,145 mi | |
| 2007 | 100% | 35 | 103,461 mi | |
| 2001 | 60% | 42 | 93,234 mi | |
| 1999 | 82% | 44 | 113,541 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS
The 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS is a large car with a 2987cc diesel engine. 807 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 21% of all 2018 cars for reliability.
With an average of 39,199 miles at 8 years old, MERCEDES G-CLASS owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS Fuel Costs
The 2987cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,695 (£141/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MERCEDES G-CLASS Reliability Trend
The MERCEDES G-CLASS has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 98%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
AdBlue System
Medium riskPost-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
Dual Mass Flywheel
Watch outLarger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2018 MERCEDES G-CLASS stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MERCEDES G-CLASS(2018) | 94% | £1245 | £195 | Grp 30-42 | £1695 |
| MERCEDES E(2019) | 90% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£5 |
| MERCEDES GLC(2018) | 91% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1690-£5 |
| AUDI A5(2017) | 89% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £1840+£145 |
| FORD RANGER(2019) | 87% | £1245 | £190 | Grp 35-50 | £1840+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Mercedes Models
Explore other Mercedes cars or similar models in the same category.
MERCEDES A
2019 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES C
2017 · 1991cc Hybrid
MERCEDES A-CLASS
2017 · 1461cc Diesel
MERCEDES E
2019 · 2925cc Diesel
MERCEDES GLC
2018 · 2987cc Diesel
AUDI A5
2017 · 2967cc Diesel
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